Meanings of 奠
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Podcast: 奠
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AI Study Notes for 奠
定 (dìng) — use 奠 when referring to formal settings or rituals, while 定 is more general for fixing or determining something.
This character is typically used in formal contexts, especially related to ceremonies or rituals. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding characters, so pay attention to tone: 奠 (diàn) is pronounced with a falling tone. Common collocations include 奠基 (diàn jī, to lay a foundation) and 奠酒 (diàn jiǔ, to offer wine as a libation).
While 奠 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to concepts of respect and formality found in HSK Level 4. Students should focus on its use in cultural contexts and its pronunciation to avoid confusion with other characters.
Learners often confuse 奠 with 定 (dìng) due to their similar pronunciation and components. For example, saying '我奠了这个计划' (Wǒ diàn le zhège jìhuà) instead of '我定了这个计划' (Wǒ dìng le zhège jìhuà) can lead to misunderstanding, as 定 is more appropriate for 'to decide' or 'to fix' a plan.
Pronunciation of 奠
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Etymology of 奠
Pictograph of alchohol (酉) being poured out as a a libation for the dead.
A man 大 lifting up an offering of wine 酋
Origin
What kind of character is 奠?
Decomposition of 奠
Parts
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How to say to fix in Chinese
“to fix” in Chinese is奠
The character 奠 (diàn) primarily means to settle or fix something in place. It is often used in formal contexts, especially when referring to rituals or paying respects, such as in funerary practices where libations are offered to the deceased. Its nuanced meanings also include establishing foundations, both literally and metaphorically.
When to use 奠
This character is typically used in formal contexts, especially related to ceremonies or rituals. Learners often confuse it with similar-sounding characters, so pay attention to tone: 奠 (diàn) is pronounced with a falling tone. Common collocations include 奠基 (diàn jī, to lay a foundation) and 奠酒 (diàn jiǔ, to offer wine as a libation).
奠 or something close to it
定 (dìng) — use 奠 when referring to formal settings or rituals, while 定 is more general for fixing or determining something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 奠 with 定 (dìng) due to their similar pronunciation and components. For example, saying '我奠了这个计划' (Wǒ diàn le zhège jìhuà) instead of '我定了这个计划' (Wǒ dìng le zhège jìhuà) can lead to misunderstanding, as 定 is more appropriate for 'to decide' or 'to fix' a plan.
Write 奠
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Grammar Patterns of 奠
奠 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Fill the gap
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主队再进一球从而____定了优势。
The home side rubbed in their superiority with a further goal.
Example Sentences for 奠 (1)
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Word Family of 奠
Words with 奠
What does 奠定 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 奠
You can say 奠酒以祭祖 (diàn jiǔ yǐ jì zǔ), meaning 'offer wine to pay respects to ancestors'.
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